Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee spoke to journalists at the Chandpur Circuit House this afternoon. Photo: BSS

CHANDPUR, May 07, 2026 (BSS)- Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee today said illegal establishments built on canals across the country would be removed through the government's canal excavation programme.

“The excavation of canals is a highly important issue in the government’s election pledge. The work has been given priority in public interest. Illegally built structures will be freed from encroachment,” he said.

The minister said this while replying to questions from journalists at Chandpur Circuit House this afternoon.

“Some legal complications might arise during eviction drives against illegal occupiers. We will deal with those issues through the district administration and local administration,” he added.

Earlier, the minister visited the venue at Shah Mahmudpur Union in Chandpur Sadar upazila where Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is scheduled to inaugurate canal excavation on May 16.

Mentioning that canals across the country still exist in their original locations, he said, “If anyone illegally built any structure on canal site, naturally they should remove those. Otherwise we will deal with them legally.”

He said, “The government’s objective is noble and clear. We want to build Bangladesh in a new way and with renewed spirit. For this, cooperation from all is needed.”

The minister said, “Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman pioneered the canal excavation drive, which later turned into a revolution.”

“Following Zia’a footstep, his eldest son Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has reinitiated the canal excavation drive across the country which is now being followed by many districts, local public representatives and ministers.”

Anee said the canal excavation programme remained neglected for many years as no government took any initiative to continue the programmes, resulting in encroachment of the canal banks and adjacent lands illegally by unscrupulous people.  

Local parliament members Sheikh Farid Ahmed Manik and MA Hannan, former lawmaker Harunur Rashid and government officials were present.

Later, the minister addressed a preparatory meeting at the Deputy Commissioner’s office meeting on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s coming visit.